Shipping container monitoring and tracking system

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a system for monitoring a container for transporting cargo. The system includes an onboard device attached to the container and a central computer system. The central computer system processes alerts transmitted by the onboard device. The onboard device includes a processor/sensor component and an antenna component. The processor/sensor component comprises a processor for controlling the device. The processor/sensor component also includes one or more sensor in communication with the processor for sensing container conditions. A satellite modem in the processor/sensor component transmits alerts relating to container conditions and other satellite communications. The antenna component includes a satellite antenna, which is connected to the satellite modem.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/994,781, filed on Nov. 22, 2004, which parent application was and ishereby incorporated herein in its entirety for all purposes. All benefitunder 35 U.S.C. § 120 for and to that application was and is herebyclaimed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of containershipping, and particularly to methods and systems for monitoring andtracking containers and cargo during transportation.

Intermodal container shipping involves the shipment of variouscommodities in a container from an origin to a destination usingmultiple modes of transportation such as trucks, trains, barges, feedervessels, ocean-going ships, and planes. The shipping industry usesstandardized containers, which can be mounted on wheeled chassis fortruck transportation. These standard containers have two doors at therear, which can be opened and closed using externally-mounted camshaftlevers.

Today, securing container doors generally involves attaching a numberedseal to the door's camshaft lever. The seal can take the form of a bolt,a plastic tie, or an electronic seal, which stores information for laterretrieval. Conventional methods of tracking containers typically involvelogging of container arrivals and departures from designated facilities.Even the newer electronic seals do not communicate security alerts untilafter a container arrives at a facility where readers are available.Because conventional security measures do not include real-time alerts,containers protected with conventional seals are vulnerable to tamperingor breach during transit.

Following the tragic events of Sep. 11, 2001, there have been severalattempts to address container security issues. For example, Boman etal., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0100379, discloses asystem for monitoring the security of intermodal freight containers. Thesystem comprises a monitoring device, reader, server and softwarebackbone. The monitoring device includes one or more sensors fordetermining if a security condition has occurred. The sensors arecapable of detecting temperature, vibration, radioactivity, gas ormotion. The device communicates with a fixed or mobile reader in orderto determine the security and location of the container to which thedevice is attached. The reader electronically transmits the informationfrom the device to the server.

However, the Boman system has a number of disadvantages that make itimpractical for most conventional intermodal shipping applications. Forexample, the monitoring device attached to the container does not havethe capability to communicate directly with the software backbone.Rather, it communicates via a separate fixed or mobile reader using ashort-range, low power radio system. The reader serves as a relaystation between the monitoring device and the server. Thus, themonitoring device must be in close proximity to a reader in order totransmit alert signals to the software backbone. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 6 of Boman, a reader 16 must be installed on thecargo ship to allow the monitoring devices attached to the containers tocommunicate via satellite during transit. The positioning of readerdevices throughout the transit route is impractical. For example, manycarriers would not permit such reader devices to be even temporarilyinstalled for a variety of reasons, including concern that such radiocommunications devices would interfere with critical shipboard radiocommunications. In addition, the installation of reader devices on othermodes of transportation, such as trucks, trains, barges, feeder vesselsand planes would be prohibitively expensive.

Yagesh, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0113783, disclosesan intermodal threat identification, detection, and notificationtransportation security system. The Yagesh system includes a containerlocking seal configured to be removably coupled to a freight shippingcontainer. The seal includes sensors capable of detecting, containerconditions, such as temperature, seal tampering, etc. The Yagesh systemmay be used to monitor the actual position of a cargo vehicle todetermine whether the actual position of the vehicle corresponds to itspredetermined route. An alarm condition is generated if the actualposition of the vehicle does not correspond to the predetermined route.

Like the Boman monitoring device, the Yagesh locking device attached tothe container is incapable of communicating directly with a computerizedalarm monitoring system. Rather, the locking device must communicatewith a nearby container state recorder (CSR). For example, asillustrated in FIG. 1 of Yagesh, a CSR must be installed onboard thevessel or vehicle on which the containers will be transported. Asdiscussed above, such a solution is logistically impractical.

In addition, both the Boman and Yagesh systems do not provide usefulcargo tracking and logistics functions. For example, both systems focuson the physical condition of container itself, and lack tools forprocessing and tracking data relating to the cargo within the container.Thus, these devices are generally limited to providing a securityfunction and do not provide any useful cargo tracking and logisticsfunctions.

For the foregoing reasons, there is a strong need for a system formonitoring and tracking containers and cargo during transportation thatcan monitor container conditions, track container position, and providecurrent logistics information relating to the cargo, which does notrequire installation reader devices to carry out communications. Thepresent invention provides these and other advantageous results.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present system provides a system for monitoring and tracking acontainer for transporting cargo. The system includes an onboard deviceattached to the container and a central computer system. The centralcomputer system processes alerts transmitted by the onboard device andtracks the position of the onboard device. The onboard device includes aprocessor/sensor component and an antenna component. Theprocessor/sensor component comprises a processor for controlling thedevice and a memory. The processor/sensor component also includes one ormore sensors in communication with the processor for sensing containerconditions. A satellite modem in the processor/sensor componenttransmits alerts relating to container conditions and other satellitecommunications. The antenna component includes a satellite antenna,which is connected to the satellite modem.

The onboard device can also include a global positioning system (GPS)receiver/antenna in communication with the processor for determining theposition of the device.

In one embodiment, the onboard device further comprises a short-rangewireless communications module and RF antenna for transmitting andreceiving short-range radio-frequency (RF) communications and/or acellular telephone modem/antenna in communication with the processor fortransmitting and receiving cellular telephone communications comprisingalerts relating to container conditions. The processor can be programmedto select a mode of communications from multiple modes of wirelesscommunications comprising satellite communications, cellular telephonecommunications, and short-range wireless communications based upon oneor more rules.

In one embodiment, the onboard device includes a rechargeable batteryand a solar panel for recharging the battery.

The system can also include one or more fixed communications devices forcreating a communications hotspot to facilitate communications betweenthe onboard device and the central computer system. Each fixedcommunications device preferably includes a processor for controllingthe fixed communication device. A short-range wireless communicationsmodule for transmits and receives short-range RF communications betweenthe fixed communications device and the onboard device. A cellular modemand cellular telephone antenna for transmitting and receivingcommunications between the fixed communications device and one or moreexternal computing device via a computer network.

The system can also include one or more handheld computing devices incommunication with the onboard device via short-range RF signals and thecentral computer system via a wired or wireless connection to a computernetwork. The handheld computing devices can control the mode ofoperation and update the onboard device. At least one of the handheldcomputing devices preferably includes a computer readable tag reader forreading the cargo information. The handheld computing device receivesand correlates the container identification number and cargo informationand transmits the correlated container identification number and cargoinformation to the central computer system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the invention willbecome more fully apparent from the following detailed description,appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a shipping container monitoring andtracking system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2A is a front view of an embodiment of an onboard device;

FIG. 2B is a side view of the onboard device of FIG. 2A showing theantenna unit, processor/sensor unit and bracket/clamp;

FIG. 3A is a block diagram of an embodiment of a processor/sensor unitof an onboard device;

FIG. 3B is a block diagram of an embodiment of an antenna unit of anonboard device;

FIG. 4 is an exterior view of is an exterior view of an embodiment of anonboard device installed on a container door;

FIG. 5A is a diagram showing the installation of an embodiment of anonboard device on the exterior of a container door;

FIG. 5B is a diagram showing the installation of an embodiment of anonboard device on the interior of a container door;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a fixed communicationsdevice;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating geographical areas defined and used bythe system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of communication flowbetween the components of a shipping container monitoring and trackingsystem in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9A is an example of a graphical user interface for displayingcontainer tracking information in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 9B is an example of a graphical user interface for displayingdetails relating to a container being tracked in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9C is an example of a graphical user interface for displayingcontainer alerts for a container be tracked in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9D is an example of a graphical user interface for displayingdetails of container alerts for a container being tracked in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9E is an example of a graphical user interface for displaying anarrival/departure log for a container tracked in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9F is an example of a graphical user interface for displaying thelocation of onboard devices associated with a shipping order orpurchases order in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9G is an example of a graphical user interface for displaying theplanned and actual routing for a container tracked using an onboarddevice in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9H is an example of a graphical user interface for displayingalerts generated by onboard devices in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention; and

FIG. 9I is an example of a graphical user interface for displayingshipping orders or purchase orders covering cargo shipped in containerstracked in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 9J is an example of a graphical user interface for displaying thedetails of a shipping order or purchase order covering cargo shipped inone or more containers tracked in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a shipping container monitoring andtracking system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Theprincipal components of the system are one or more onboard devices 20(mounted to a shipping container 22), a central computer system 24, oneor more handheld devices 34, and one or more fixed communicationsdevices 30. The onboard device 20 tracks the position of the container22 and monitors container integrity throughout its journey from originto destination. The onboard device 20 can transmit location andcontainer security information to the central computer system 24 viasatellite 26. The satellite 26 communicates with the central computer 24via a cell phone connection station 31 in communication with a computernetwork 32, such as the Internet. The onboard device 20 can alsocommunicate by short-range wireless connection when it is within rangeof a fixed communications device 30. Each fixed communications device 30use a cellular phone signal to connect to a cellular phone tower 28,which in turn communicates with the central computer 24 via computernetwork 32. Alternatively, the onboard device 20 can communicatedirectly by cellular telephone signal via a cellular telephone tower 28.The handheld device 34 is a portable computing device such as a personaldigital assistance (PDA), which communicates with the onboard device 20and central computer system 24. The handheld device 34 is used toinitialize and update the onboard device 20.

Onboard Device

The onboard device 20 (sometimes referred to herein as an “intelligenttracking unit” or “ITU”) is designed to fit most standard containerdoors. The mounting process can be easily performed by loading-dockpersonnel during the normal workflow process. It contains multiplecommunication components, which provide layered communications fortransmitting and receiving information via cellular phone, satellite andshort-range wireless connections. Communication of alerts, events andposition data can be transmitted via satellite, cellular phone andshort-range wireless modes depending on location and availability of thevarious means of communication.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the onboard device 20 includes aprocessor/sensor unit 42, antenna unit 44 and bracket/clamp 46. Thedevice is assembled such that the components cannot easily bedisassembled when the onboard device is affixed to a container. In theillustrated embodiment, the bracket/clamp 46 is shaped to allow it to bemounted to the left or right door of a container. The bracket/clamp 46preferably includes two switches: a door mount switch 48 and a doorclose switch 50. The door mount switch 48 detects proper mounting of thebracket/clamp on the container door and transmit this information to aprocessor in the processor/sensor unit 42, which in turn will cause thedevice to enter into activated mode and initiate communication with ahandheld device 34 (FIG. 1). The door close switch 50 senses that thecontainer 22 is closed and transmits this information to the processorin the processor/sensor unit 42. This door-closed signal causes theonboard device to enter into an armed mode and communicate thisinformation to the handheld device 34.

The processor/sensor unit 42 is attached to the bracket/clamp 46 via ahinge 52. The hinge 52 allows the processor/sensor unit 42 to swing backapproximately 90 degrees, to facilitate mounting to a standard containerdoor. As illustrated in FIG. 5B, the processor/sensor unit 42 ispreferably shaped and sized to allow it to fit into the insidecorrugation of a standard container door where it will be protected fromdamage and not take up cargo space within the container. When mounted,the processor/sensor unit 42 cannot be accessed from the exterior oncethe doors of the container 22 are closed.

As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the main components in the processor/sensorunit 42 are a central processing unit (CPU) 54, memory 55, a short-rangewireless communications module 56, a satellite modem 58, a cellularphone modem 60, a global positioning system (GPS) receiver 62, a lightemitting diode (LED) 64, sensors 66, and rechargeable batteries 67. Theprocessor/sensor unit 42 is preferably powered by rechargeablebatteries. The processor/sensor unit 42 is controlled by a rule-basedengine running in conjunction with an operating system.

The short-range wireless communications module 56 permits short-range(e.g., less than 50 feet) radio communications with both fixedcommunications devices 30 and the handheld devices 34. The short-rangewireless communications module is preferably a BLUETOOTH®adapter. Thewireless communications module can have an internal antenna, but ispreferably connected to an external short-range radio-frequency (RF)antenna 72 in the antenna unit 44 (FIG. 3B).

The satellite modem 58 permits bi-directional communications directlybetween the onboard device 20 and a satellite 26. The on-board devicedoes not require a separate intermediary device to transmit and receivesatellite communications. As discussed before the processor/sensor unit42 is preferably programmed with various business rules designed toconserve power to conserve power necessary to permit satellitecommunications. In addition, the on board device preferably includes asolar panel 74 to recharge batteries. Thus, the onboard device overcomesthe perceived problem of providing a power needed to transmit andreceive satellite communications without using a stationary relay deviceaffixed to the vehicle or vessel transporting the container. Sensors 66can detect various door and container conditions, including doormounting, door opening/closing, light/infrared, temperature, humidity,and motion/vibration and can be expanded to include any other detectableconditions.

The business rules provide flexible and customizable programming of theonboard device to adapt to various routing, environment andtransportation conditions. For example, the business rules can determinewhether the device is within a hotspot such that it should communicatevia a fixed communications device or whether satellite communicationsare the only option. Thus, by controlling the mode of communications,the business rules can improve the reliability of communications andconserve power required for communications. The business rules can alsobe used to reduce false alarms. For example, a sensor reading indicatingsmall bursts of light might be disregarded if the processor determines(based upon the GPS reading and/or pre-planned routing guide) that thecontainer is being transported along a bumpy road. In addition, thebusiness rules can be changed while the container/onboard device is intransit. For example, such a change may be desirable where the there arechanges to the pre-planned routing of the container.

The GPS receiver 62 can capture GPS location from satellites and storethe longitude and latitude in memory. The frequency of GPS locationcapture is based on programmed business rules that factor in thesupply-chain segment, motion, and other conditions. As described belowwith the description of FIGS. 9A-9J, graphic activity-map screen displaygenerated by a program on the central computer system 24 allows easytracking and review of each container's position during transit fromorigin to destination. The tracking logs captured for each container'stransit from origin to destination contain an audit trail of events,with time-stamps, GPS locations, and event types. The logs also monitorbattery-power on the onboard device, and sent alerts when battery powerbecomes low. Container transit data is available for review online viainquiry screens generated by a program on the central computer system24.

The onboard device 20 can be programmed to periodically “call home” totrack the container's location. The frequency at which the device callshome can be varied depending upon the location of the device and therelative safety of the area in which the container is located. Thefrequency can be altered by communication from the central computer 24.In addition, the central computer 24 can interrogate the onboard device20 via satellite to determine the device's position at any given moment.

Antenna unit 44 is attached to bracket/clamp 46 by screws or other meansof attachment. As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the antenna unit 44 houses asatellite antenna 68, cellular antenna 69, GPS antenna 70, a short-rangeRF antenna 72 and a solar panel 74. The solar panel 74 is positioned onthe external portion of the antenna unit 44 to capture sunlight torecharge the batteries 67 in the processor/sensor unit 42 (FIG. 3A).

FIGS. 4 and 5A illustrate the exterior location of the onboard device 20when mounted on a door 23 of the container 22. Only the antenna unit 44and part of the bracket/clamp 46 that wraps around the door 23 isvisible and accessible from the exterior of the container. FIG. 5Billustrates the interior location of the onboard device 20 when mountedon a door 23. The processor/sensor unit 42 fits into the insidecorrugation of the door 23 of the container 22 where it will not take upany cargo space and is protected from damage. The bracket/clamp 46 wrapsaround the door 23 to secure the onboard device to the container.

Handheld Device

One or more handheld devices 34 (such as a personal digital assistance(PDA)) communicate with the onboard device 20, preferably usingBLUETOOTH®technology. Handheld device 34 can be a commercially availablePDA/RFID reader programmed to perform the functions described herein.Examples of such commercially available devices include the IPAQ 4355and LXE MX5, operating with Windows CE and containing BLUETOOTH® signalprocessors. The handheld device 20 is used to initialize, enable, andupdate the onboard device 20 during the container loading (“stuffing”)process. The handheld device can be cradled into a docking station whichuploads data to the central system 24 or data can be transmitted to thecentral computer by other wired or wireless means.

The handheld device 34 can be used to set the onboard device 20 tovarious states required to support the system. In addition, informationabout the cargo 36 transported in the container 22 can be captured usingthe handheld device 34. Cargo information can be captured by reading acomputer-readable tag 37 (e.g., a bar code or radio frequencyidentification (RFID) tag) on the cargo 36 which stores cargoinformation. Cargo information captured by the handheld device 34 can betransmitted to the onboard device 20 or to central computer 24. Cargoinformation captured by the handheld device 34 (or derived from capturedinformation) can include, for example, manifest, bill of lading,purchase order, shipping order, commercial invoice information, packinglist, and/or forwarder's cargo receipt (FCR). The handheld device 34 andthe onboard device 20 preferably communicate using BLUETOOTH®technology. The handheld device 34 can communicate with the centralcomputer 24 through a cradle connected to a workstation 38 via network32. The handheld device 34 can also receive software updates (e.g.,business rules) from the central computer system 24 and communicate theupdates to the onboard device 20.

The security setup can be configured so a handheld device is designatedfor a specific location (geofenced area). This setup provides a level ofsecurity by prohibiting a device from being used in a different location(e.g., if the device is stolen).

Fixed Communications Device

One or more fixed communications devices 30 are positioned at designatedareas to facilitate cellular communications. For example, fixedcommunications devices can be mounted on poles near the gates offacilities such as consolidation locations, terminals, anddeconsolidation locations. Each fixed communications device 30 creates ahotspot to facilitate cellular communications between the onboard device20 and the central computer system 24 when the container is in or nearthe facility. Fixed communications devices 30 can be used as a backupcommunications mechanism, in the event of satellite failure or wherecellular communications are more reliable, faster or less expensive thansatellite communications.

The components of the fixed communications device 30 are essentially thesame as are in the onboard device, with the exception that the fixeddevice is not equipped with a satellite modem or sensors. With referenceto FIG. 6, the main components of the fixed communications device 30 area central processing unit (CPU) 57, memory 59, a short-range wirelesscommunications module 56 connected to an RF antenna 61, and a cellularphone modem 63 connected to a cellular antenna 65. Short-range wirelesscommunications module 56 and RF antenna 61 communicate with the onboarddevice 20, preferably using BLUETOOTH® technology. The fixedcommunications device in turn communicates with the central computersystem 24 via computer network 32 (FIG. 1) using cellular phone modem 63and cellular antenna 65. The fixed communications device can alsoinclude other alternative modes of wired and wireless communications,for example, a satellite modem and antenna or wired telephone or networkconnection.

In areas where satellite communications are not optimal (e.g., inside awarehouse or factory), fixed communications devices 30 can be installedas connection point for the onboard device 20. The use of fixedcommunications devices 30 provides a separate means of communicationbetween the onboard device 20 and the central computer system 24 as abackup to satellite communications. Transmissions between onboard device20 and fixed communications device 30 are communicated by short-rangewireless communications, preferably using BLUETOOTH® technology. Fixedcommunication device 30 preferably communicates with the centralcomputer-system 24 via a cellular telephone connection to network 32.The fixed communications device 30 can also be configured to serve asprimary point of communication to limit satellite communications toreduce satellite communication costs. Business rules controlling theonboard device 20 can be configured to communicate according to ahierarchy where satellite communications are avoided for routine,non-alert communications when the device is capable of communicating viaa fixed communications device 30. The onboard device 20 is also equippedwith a cellular phone modem 60 (FIG. 3A) for allowing it to connectdirectly to the nearest cellular phone tower 28 that allows the deviceto communicate with a central computer system 24 via a computer network32. The use of the various communication methods is determined by thebusiness rules.

Central Computer System

The system also includes one or more workstations 40 to allow authorizedusers to access information stored on the central computer 24 vianetwork 32. The central computer 24 can also be configured to forwardevents and alerts transmitted from an onboard device 34 to selectede-mail accounts, facsimile machines, mobile pagers, electronic datafeeds into information technology (IT) systems, and mobile phones astext messages. The central computer system 24 is preferably a secure,web-based system for storing operational data from all sources. Itcollects data from the handheld device 34, fixed communications device30 and onboard device 20, and also has the capacity for data entry andupdate. Also, as illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9J described below, the systemincludes on-screen maps for visual display of certain aspects of thedata. It provides menu-driven screens for inquiry of containermonitoring data, administrative functions, and map-viewing.

Both the central computer system 24 and the handheld device 34preferably require a successful login before allowing access. The systemcan use standard https security processes, with challenge/responseprompting for user-login details. User ID's are controlled on thecentral computer system 24.

System Operation

Operation of the monitoring and tracking system of the present inventionis described below with reference again to FIG. 1.

Before loading of the container 22 an onboard device 20 is mounted onthe left or right door 23 of the container 22. Mounting of the onboarddevice 20 triggers door mount switch 50 FIG. 2B), which automaticallyactivates the onboard device 20 and causes it to initiate communicationbetween with handheld device 34. A unique number of the container 22 isentered into the handheld device 2 creating a logical relationshipbetween the onboard device 20 and the container 22.

A unique shipping order and/or purchase order identifier for the goodsto be loaded into the container 22 is stored on the handheld device 34.The shipping order/purchase order identifier originates from the centralcomputer system where cargo booked by the client is uniquely identified.Pre-planned routing guides for shipping of the goods are also stored tothe handheld device 34. The pre-planned routing data can includeinformation relating to planned shipping routes, planned modes oftransportation, expected duration of each leg of the journey, and otherrouting information. This data can be uploaded when the handheld device34 is in communication with the central computer system 24.

Connection from the handheld device 34 to the central computer system 24can be restricted by an access control module in the central computersystem 24, which ensures that only authorized access is permitted. Thehandheld device 34 can be cradled and connected to the central computersystem 24 daily to ensure it remains active and authorized. A unique keycan be transmitted from the central computer system 24 to the handhelddevice 34 on a daily basis. If a handheld device 34 does not receive thedaily key, communication with the onboard device 20 will be rejected bythe onboard device 20 if the handheld device's key is not the same asthe onboard device's key. Daily transmission of a key protects againstmisuse of a stolen handheld device. Daily keys for a predeterminedperiod (e.g., 180 days) can be stored in the onboard device 20 upondeployment. If an onboard device 20 is to remain in active servicebeyond the predetermined period for which daily keys have been stored,daily keys to extend this period can be communicated to the onboarddevice 20 from the central computer 24 via the handheld device 34.

When loading of the container 22 is about to commence, one or moreunique shipping order and/or purchase order numbers are selected on thehandheld device 34 creating a logical relationship between the orderplaced by a customer and the goods that is physically loaded into thecontainer 22.

If a unit of goods 36 (carton, coli, pallet or box) is equipped withcomputer-readable identification tag 37 (e.g., a radio frequencyidentification (RFID) tag or bar code), the tag is scanned toautomatically build a manifest using the handheld device 34. Where aunit of goods 36 is not equipped with an identification tag, a manualcount can be entered into the handheld device 34 to create the manifest.

When loading of the container 22 is completed, a manifest of loadedgoods, bill of lading, purchase order, shipping order, commercialinvoice information, packing list, forwarder's cargo receipt (FCR) and apre-planned routing guide for shipping the container 22 are communicatedfrom the handheld device 34 to the onboard device 20 after which thedoors 23 of the container 22 are closed.

The sequence of communications between the onboard device 20 andhandheld device 34 is preferably as follows:

1. “Close door” command is selected in the handheld device 34,initiating the transmission of a command to the onboard device 20;

2. The onboard device 20 receives this command and activate the sensorsthat take a reading of the environment to ensure that the sensors candetect difference (e.g. in light level when the doors are closed);

3. The onboard device 20 sends a “please close the doors” message to thehandheld device 34 to ask the operator to close the doors;

4. The doors are closed by the operator;

5. The onboard device 20 recognizes the door closing and, if all isokay, a “doors closed successfully” message is sent to handheld device34.

The container is now closed and the sensors are armed; any unauthorizedopening of the container will result in an intrusion alert.

By activation of door close switch 50 (FIG. 2B) and/or other built-insensors (e.g., light detecting sensors), the onboard device 20 detectsthat the doors of the container are closed and enters into an “armed”state. All sensors are alert to container conditions, such as appearanceof light, change in humidity, change in temperature and vibration. Theonboard device 20 transmits an alert via satellite 26 and/or phoneconnection 28 if a sensor input exceeds predefined thresholds or if thecontainer position deviates from a pre-planned routing guide bypredetermined thresholds (e.g. geographic position, duration oftransport between locations or vibration in part of the routing wherevibration is not expected).

If the container 22 is sealed using a mechanical seal, the uniqueidentification number of the seal can be entered into the handhelddevice 34 and communicated to the onboard device 20. The operator thendisconnects communication between the handheld device 34 and onboarddevice 20 by selecting a disconnect command on the handheld device. Thecontainer 22 is then ready for departure and any intrusion into thecontainer 22 from this point and until it is opened by means of anauthorized procedure will trigger and alarm.

FIG. 7 illustrates the location of a secure facility 76 (e.g., awarehouse or a factory), a geofenced area 78 surrounding the securefacility and a surrounding approach area 80. These locations can becreated using a standard GPS locator device. The coordinates outliningeach area are uniquely defined and stored for use in the business rulescontrolling the onboard device 20. Each area is defined with its ownunique set of rules and security parameters. These rules and parametersdetermine how the onboard device will react when in the area (e.g.,higher or lower level of alertness depending on how secure the area is).The geofenced area is the immediate surrounding area of a securefacility. The approach area is a defined perimeter surrounding ageofenced area. The approach area generally is assigned a lower level ofsecurity than the geofenced area, but still higher than the surroundingunsecured area.

Upon departing a secure facility 76, the GPS receiver 62 (FIG. 3A) ofthe onboard device 20 will obtain GPS readings to determine the positionof the container. The CPU 54 will then establish an exact location inrelation to the geofenced area 78 and the approach area 80 surroundingthe secure facility 76. As the container passes through each of theseareas, the onboard device 20 increases its degree of alertness.Similarly, the onboard device 20 will lower its level of alertness whenentering into an approach area 80, a geofenced area 78 and a securefacility 76. The cargo is subject to the highest level of risk in termsof intrusion, hijacking, theft, etc., during transit between secure andcontrolled facilities. When the container/onboard device departs from asecure facility and its perimeter, the onboard device is preferablyprogrammed to become more and more alert. The reverse will happen whenentering into a secure facility and its perimeter. When acontainer/onboard device enters an approach area, the device can alsotransmit an “early warning” of arriving goods and can start preparingfor the receipt and work required in this connection.

Geofenced areas 78 can furthermore be configured so the business ruleson the onboard device 20 will cause the device to enter into a state ofhibernation to conserve energy if, based upon the pre-planned routingguide for the shipping of the container 22, the CPU 54 determines thatthe container 22 is to reside in a geofenced area 78 for a long periodof time (e.g., when stored in a container yard of a port waiting to getloaded onto a vessel).

During transport of the container 22 outside geofenced areas 78 orapproach areas 80, the onboard device 20 makes frequent GPS readings tocreate a detailed log of its locations. The log is transmitted to thecentral computer system 24.

Alerts are likewise transmitted to the central computer system 24 viasatellite 26. If a fixed communications device 30 is within reach,alerts will also be communicated though the fixed communications deviceas a backup or alternative means of communication. Alerts can be set upto be forwarded to e-mail accounts, telefaxes, mobile pagers, electronicdata feeds into IT systems, and mobile phones 25 as text messages. Thisensures short time between an alert being created and attention drawn tothe container (e.g., to ensure that further transport of the containeris ceased and it is inspected for intrusion).

When the container 22 arrives at its destination, the onboard device 20will detect an approach area 80, a geofenced area 78 and a securefacility 76. The transition into areas where the security isincreasingly higher will cause the sensors 66 to automaticallyre-calibrate according to the changes in environment. The onboard device20 will communicate with any fixed communications devices 30 installedin the destination area and transmit events to the central computersystem 24.

When the container 22 is to be opened and the cargo unloaded (stripped),connection between the onboard device 20 and a handheld device 34designated for the destination is established. The manifest istransferred from the onboard device 20 to the handheld device 34 for useduring the unloading (stripping). The container number and sealidentification number are also populated to the handheld device 34 toallow for control.

Upon confirmation of theses details, an open command is issued via thehandheld device 34 to the onboard device 20, which changes the businessrules in the processor/sensor unit 42 that disarms the sensors 66.Opening of the doors of the container 22 is now considered an authorizedevent.

During stripping of the container 22 all units of goods 36 equipped witha computer readable tag 37 are scanned using the handheld device 34 forautomated deconsolidation against the manifest. Where a unit of goods 36is not equipped with a tag 37 a manual count is entered into thehandheld device 34 for deconsolidation against the manifest.

If the container 22 has not reached its final destination (e.g. uponarrival at a cross-docking facility) loading of units of goods 36 can beloaded and the container 22 sealed for further transport as describedabove.

When the container 22 has arrived at its final destination, all units ofgoods 36 are stripped, a dismount command is transmitted to the onboarddevice 20 using the handheld device 34, and the onboard device 20 isphysically dismounted from the container 22. The onboard device 20 isreusable and can be recycled for use at a new origin.

Authorized users will, throughout the process, have online access to theinformation stored in the central computer system 24 from workstations40 connected through the computer network 32. All access is preferablyestablished through secure connections.

The data captured by the onboard device provides the commercial audiencewith full tracking capabilities on their assets within a container,allowing verification, earlier planning and monitoring from the point ofconsolidation to the point of deconsolidation. This adds tremendousvalue to the importer's productivity and reliability by enablingefficient stock controls and replenishment planning for reduction incosts of holding stock both at the factories and distribution centers.As a result, costs can be more predictable and controlled, with fewervariables.

The information captured by the system also provides an audit trail ofsecurity, which when shared with customs agencies, customers, portoperators and others, could effectively accelerate the flow of cargo bylowering container risk profiles. In other words, knowing with a highdegree of certainty that cargo is secure can enable special truck gatesat terminals, green lanes with customs, bypass of Vehicle and CargoInspection Systems (VACIS), bypass of customs examination station,saving movement costs, centralized exam site labor costs and providingoverall priority handling on the import side. Each of these can lead toaccelerated transits and speed to market.

Communication Flow

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating communication between the users andcomponents of a container tracking system in accordance with theprinciples of the invention.

As discussed above, communications between onboard device 20 andhandheld device 34 are preferably made using BLUETOOTH® technology.Activate/dismount, open/close container, seal/unseal, queries, andload/unload signals and data are transmitted between the onboard device20 and handheld device 34. A scanner 35 for reading tags (e.g., bar codeor RFID tags) also communicates the onboard device 20, preferably viaBLUETOOTH® technology. Scanner 35 may be incorporated within handhelddevice 34 or may be a separate device. Handheld device 34 and scanner 35both communicate with the central computer 24 via cradle 33 attached tonetwork 32, which can be, for example, the Internet.

Onboard device 20 also communicates with central computer system 24 viafixed communications device 30, satellite 26 or cellular telephoneconnection 28. Communications between onboard device 20 and fixedcommunications device 30 are preferably transmitted using BLUETOOTH®technology. Onboard device 20 transmits logs, alerts and events tocentral computer 24, and receives software updates from central computer24 via fixed communications device 30. Communications between fixedcommunications device 30 and central computer system 24 are preferablymade via network 32 and cell phone connection 31. Communications betweenthe onboard device 20 and the satellite 26 are bidirectional. Alerts,events, daily call-ins, and GPS position data is transmitted from theonboard device 20 to the central computer system 24 via satellite 26 andnetwork 32. The central computer system 24 can also transmit commands,data or program updates to the onboard device 20 via satellite 26 andnetwork 32. For example, the central computer 24 can interrogate theonboard device 20 for its current position at any point during transit.

Various administrators and systems communicate with central computersystem 24. Client administrator 82 can communicate with central computersystem 24 via network 32 to create and manage users and monitor loadingand unloading functions. Logistics provider administrator 84communicates with central computer system 24 via intranet 85 to createand manage administrative accounts and geofence information. Logisticsprovider user input clerk 86 communicates with central computer system24 via intranet 85 to update documentation, such as, bill of lading andcarrier booking information. Logistics provider user security analyst 88communicates with central computer system 24 via intranet 85 to receiveand resolve to security alerts. Logistics provider user asset deploymentrecovery 90 communicates with central computer system 24 via intranet 85to transmit data relating to the onboard device, handheld device,scanner, and tags. Shipping order information is directly transmitted tocentral computer system 24 via logistics documentation system 92. Clientvisibility tool 94 communicates with central computer system 24 vianetwork 32 to allow clients to access selected data and documentsrelating to the tracking of their shipments.

Central Computer System User Interface

The central computer system 24 preferably provides a menu driven userinterface for inquiry of container journey data via several inputcriteria. Users can inquire by container number or see a generalon-screen listing of alerts. Authorized users can see where and whenalerts occurred and input resolution details for alerts. FIGS. 9A-9Jprovide examples of various user displays for monitoring and trackingcargo using the system.

FIG. 9A shows a graphical user display listing containers that aretracked using an onboard device. Containers appear in this list whenthey are deployed and equipped with an onboard device. The display listsa range of information relevant to the business process supported by thetracking of the containers (e.g., number of units of goods in thecontainer, the chassis used to haul the container, and the seal appliedto the container). The list can be filtered to display containersaccording to chosen selection criteria as well as sorted to list thepresented containers in a specific order.

FIG. 9B shows a graphical user display listing details for a particularcontainer, selected from the listing shown in FIG. 9A. All relevantdetails relating to the shipping of the container are displayed (e.g.bill of lading number, shipping order number, planned and actual stuffedvolumes) and audit trails where essential tracking components have beenchanged for the selected container (e.g., onboard device number, chassisnumber, seal number, bill of lading number).

FIG. 9C shows a graphical user display listing events and alerts for aparticular container selected from the listing shown in FIG. 9B. Theevents and alerts are listed with date, time and location of occurrenceand date and time of receipt in the central computer system. The listcan be filtered to contain events and alerts according to chosenselection criteria, as well as sorted to list the presented events andalerts in a specific order.

FIG. 9D shows a graphical user display listing details for a particularevent or alert, selected from the listing shown in FIG. 9C. Detailsrelating to the even or alert are displayed (e.g. type of event oralert, date and time of occurrence, location of occurrence, date andtime of receipt the central computer system, status, resolution).

FIG. 9E shows a graphical user display listing arrival and departure logfor a particular container selected from the listing shown in FIG. 9A.The listing will show all entry into and departures from areas definedas a secure facility, geofenced area or approach area. The listingdefines the custody of the container as an audit trail illustratingwhere the container was at a certain date and time during the transitfrom origin to destination.

FIG. 9F shows a graphical user display illustrating a map with thegeographical location of active onboard devices mounted on containersthat carry units of goods for a particular shipping order. A geofencedarea 78 and an approach area 80 are shown as shadings on the map. Thedisplay provides a fast overview of the location of all units of goodsfor a shipping order. The display furthermore provides information ofthe level of security in the area of each container. The location ofeach onboard device 20 is captured in real-time by GPS readingstransmitted to the central computer system.

FIG. 9G shows a graphical user display illustrating a map with theactual path 95 of an onboard device 20 when in transit from origin todestination and the planned route 96 for the shipping of the container.The location of the onboard device is captured in real-time by GPSreadings that are transmitted to the central computer system 24.

FIG. 9H shows a graphical user display listing unresolved alerts createdby the onboard devices monitored. The alerts are listed with date andtime and location of occurrence and date and time of receipt in thecentral computer system. The list can be filtered to contain alertsaccording to chosen selection criteria as well as sorted to list thepresented alerts in a specific order.

FIG. 9I shows a graphical user display listing shipping orders for whichunits of goods are shipped in containers having onboard devices. Theshipping orders are listed with details of arrival, departure, receiptand delivery of units of goods and load and discharge ports.

FIG. 9J shows a graphical user display listing details for a shippingorder, selected from the listing shown in FIG. 9I. Details relating tothe shipping order are displayed (e.g., vendor details, arrival,departure, receipt and delivery of unit of goods, containeridentification numbers).

Although the invention has been described with reference to a specificembodiment, it should be understood that various changes may be madewithout departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Forexample, to facilitate explanation of the invention, the system has beendescribed and illustrated in connection with a system comprising singlesystem components (onboard device, handheld device, fixed communicationsdevice, central computer system, etc.). Systems in accordance with theinvention will in most instances comprise multiple components (e.g.,multiple onboard devices, handheld units, fixed communications devices,and workstations). Accordingly, the disclosed examples are intended tobe illustrative of the scope of the invention and are not intended to belimiting. The scope of the invention is defined as set forth in theappended claims.

1. A device for monitoring a container for transporting cargo, thedevice comprising: a. a processor/sensor component comprising: i. aprocessor for controlling the device; ii. one or more sensors incommunication with the processor for sensing container conditions; iii.a satellite modem in communication with the processor for transmittingsatellite communications comprising alerts relating to containerconditions; and iv. a connection to a power source; and b. an antennacomponent connected to the process/sensor component, the antennacomponent comprising a satellite antenna connected to the satellitemodem.